What is the sand-casting process and what makes these crosses so unique?
Sandcasting is an ancient process used in the foundry. An impression is made in a bed of sand and that cavity is filled with liquid cement. While the design may remain the same, each casting is unique and truly “hand-made”.
Because they are cement, they can be displayed outdoors in the garden. Weathering seems to embellish the richness of the crosses.
Who are the artisans of Sunset Gallery and what is their standing in the sculptural art world?
Sunset Gallery has been in existence since 1990. It was created by artist, Andre’ Gandin (see Andre's Gallery for more) and for the first nine years, its products were marketed to the trade via showrooms in the Dallas Market Center. Our first cross design was introduced in 1992.
Artists Tony Fulvio and Kevin Canon subsequently joined the team in 1997. Our first cross fundraiser took place in the fall of 1999. (Click here to see a list of our References)
Why sell sand-cast, cement crosses?
Interest in the Christian cross is at an all time high! It is a timeless symbol of the sacrifice Jesus made for us. It is the ultimate icon of our Christian faith. It is also adaptable to display in almost any venue.
How does it work?
Sunset Gallery provides your organization with a display of crosses that are exhibited on your church premises after each service. Orders are taken, and we share profits with the sponsoring group. (For complete financial information please drop me a line or call Andre' Gandin. There are never any up-front costs and we provide everything you will need to begin your fundraiser.
How long should the sale last?
Depending on the policy of your specific church, three consecutive weekends is the minimum for reaching maximum profits.
When is the best time to conduct a cross sale?
It depends on the financial goals and needs of your ministry. Seasonally, the fall has been a good time, especially around Christmas. Yet, there is a lot of competition for those seasonal dollars. Spring offers many opportunities too.
Crosses make great gifts for Thanksgiving, Easter, Mother’s Day, graduation, confirmation, weddings, and the growing interest in home gardening.
Our church has an annual Bazaar & Craft Fair. Should we schedule our cross sale as a participant of this affair?
Based on prior experience, the answer is no. There is too much competition for the same dollar. Your potential buyers and supporters of your ministry, attend church services regularly, and may avoid attending your Craft Fair. Your special fundraiser will have no competition when you sell crosses following each church service!
What are our choices in display and how do we get them?
We have two kinds, tabletop and free-standing. Because of its size, our free-standing unit is available only to the local Houston area. We deliver it to the location with a selection of 8-10 cross designs. Table-top displays are shipped via UPS and they show a selection of 3 cross designs.
What is the best location for our display and what do we do with it between sale weekends?
Most place it outside of the church sanctuary near the exit. The goal is to get maximum exposure. The church office reception area provides good exposure during the week and usually generates extra sales.
How do we advertise our cross sale?
An announcement and order form are available as downloads from our website. The announcement tells your buyers how the profits from this sale will be used. Printed as a single page (announcement on one side, order form on the back) this can be inserted in the weekly church bulletin. (Click here to download the announcement.doc file - a small Microsoft Word document.)
